Acer's A7600U high end All in One Earns a big "Huzzah!"

Acer’s new A7600U UR11 all in one (AIO) desktop with its large crisp 27-in touch screen earns a big “Huzzah!”from me After using this new AIO for the last two weeks I’ve developed some strong opinions. Right upfront, I feel the 7600U’s hotrod configuration makes it an ideal platform for its Windows 8 touch interface The base configuration 8GB (expandable to 16GB)of system memory, A 2GHz Intel multicore processor, a 1TB SATA drive, nVidia’s GeForce GT640 video controller with 2GB of dedicated video memory, an integrated Blu-ray drive and snd 2GHz Intel multicore processor packs the power and performance needed to deliver a top-flight entertainment experience. This systems 27-inch screen has a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The unit supplied to me by Acer for this review has an SRP of $1,899, but is offered for less by some online retailers. Acer’s new touch interface AIO offers a feature that’s not found on other new 27-inch all-in ones; its screen can be tilted horizontally, which allows the user to share displays as if it were a tabletop Microsoft Surface computer I believe this feature is something that can really enhance presenting information applications such as Google Earth, PowerPoint or entertainment presentations delivered to limited groups. The A7600U has great connectivity; great Wifi, six open USB connectors, HDMI, and microphone and speaker jacks plus a multi card reader. It ships standard with a low profile multimedia keyboard and mouse with an extended palm rest. I think both are improvements over what Acer and its other brands have shipped with their AIOS. In addition to anti-virus protection, a trial version of Microsoft Office, this all-in-one also includes a subscription and access to Acer Cloud, the PC maker’s virtual storage site. Acer’s high end All-in One is based on a stunning 27-inch (diagonal) display. The Acer A7600U UR11 screen’s is one of the brightest I’ve seen on any all-in-one I’ve tested and its resolution enhances the overall user experience. One small complaint I have about the use of this desktop as an entertainment system for small groups is this: I wish its audio system had greater volume. If you move up to this desktop, take the time to read the instructions that come in the box. Be aware there some things that are very different about the A7600U. First the power cord plugs into the end of this machine’s support stand. Also there is no conventional power switch on this all-in-one. To turn it on, you need to swipe its power bar (located above the upper right corner of the screen towards the center of this desktop. It’s an interesting experience that took me about four tries to get right. The A7600U can also be turned on by using the Windows key on the keyboard. I I like the appearance and rugged construction of this desktop. It has a flat black plastic case with a chrome plastic accent on its back Initially, I thought moving to the new 27-inch screen form factor would require new office furniture. I was wrong as this system is only two inches longer t than my Sony Vaio W AIO and fits comfortably on my office desk. I am not a fan of Windows 8 Metropolitan user interface. I suppose I’ll get used to it very quickly, but overall, I find it’s not very intuitive. On the plus side, the A7600’s configuration has the raw horse power needed to blast pixels wherever they are needed on the screen and this machine is one of the best 27-inch all-in-ones I have ever seen. So, how does Acer’s 27-inch A7600U-UR11 stack up? It’s a hot rod all in one that delivers a great user experience, and it’s rock solid. It’s not as svelte as Apple’s iMac27 (which is $100 less than thia Axert systen), and it lacks the bundled software that sets Apple’s Mac family apart from all other desktops in this category. Having said that, I believe Acer has set a new mark with this computer and I recommend it highly.—Jim Forbes, 02/20/2012.